A
Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Friday convicted and setenced to
seven years imprisonment, two employees of Barewa Pharmaceutical Company
Ltd, Adeyemo Abiodun and Ebele Eromosele.
The
company and its employees were charged on an amended six-count charged of
the production of a killer syrup, “my pikin.”
There
was mild drama, midway into the judgment, as one of the convicts suddenly began
to collapse.
Trial
judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke in his judgment, convicted the accused on two
counts, while he acquitted them of four counts.
The
Judge accordingly sentenced the accused to seven years imprisonment each on the
offence, while he ordered the company to be compulsorily wound up and its
assets forfeited to the Federal Government.
“The
prosecution tendered several exhibits in the trial of the accused, but failed
to lead evidence that the accused actually produced the adulterated drugs.
“I
hereby find the accused not guilty of counts one, two, five and six, dealing
with production and adulteration of drugs, while I find them guilty of counts
three and four which is conspiracy and sale of the drugs.
“The
accused are hereby convicted as charged” the court held.
Shortly
after allocutus by defence counsel, the first accused Adeyemo Abiodun, suddenly
started shaking and gradually began to collapse.
The
judge then summoned the medical doctor in charge of the Federal High Court, who
after examining the accused, confirmed he was hypertensive, and his blood
pressure, very high.
Justice
Okeke ordered that the accused be offered a seat but however, proceeded
with delivering the sentence.
“In
as much as I appreciate the passionate plea of learned silk, especially
considering the state of the first accused, I am however, bound by the
provisions of the law.
“Having
found the accused guilty on two counts, the convicts are hereby sentenced to
seven years imprisonment each on the charge.
The
charges are to run concurrently.
“The
company is also ordered to be wound up compulsorily, in line with the
provisions of the law, and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government”
Okeke ruled.
It
will be recalled that the said “My Pikin syrup was reported to have killed over
80 children in the country.
In
the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses, while the defence called
only one witness.
The
offence for which the convicts are sentenced, contravenes the provisions of
section 1 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and unwholesome processed
foods (Miscellaneous provisions) Act No. 25 of 1999.
It
attracts an imprisonment term not less than five years or more than 15 years,
or a fine of N500,000, or both fine and imprisonment.
Credits
to Inocent Anaba
Vanguardngr.com
